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Nigeria's AFCON hopes now hang by a thread after confirmation that Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi will be miss the tournament
Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been ruled out of contention for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after confirmation by Nottingham Forest coach Steve Cooper that the Nigerian forward will require surgery and will be out of action for "months.'
Awoniyi set to miss AFCON 2023
Speaking ahead of Nottingham Forest's Premier League encounter against Brighton, Cooper revealed the extent of Awoniyi's injury, saying, “It's bad news on Taiwo, he's had to have surgery, and he is going to be out for months."
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15:50 - 17.11.2023
Super Eagles vs Zimbabwe: Taiwo Awoniyi returns to Nottingham Forest ahead of 2nd World Cup qualifier
After abuse from Nigerian fans, Taiwo Awoniyi will not play for the Super Eagles in 2nd World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe.
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23:14 - 16.11.2023
‘Worse than Yakubu’ - Fans slam Awoniyi for shocking miss as Super Eagles disappoint against Lesotho
Taiwo Awoniyi's shocking miss against Lesotho has earned comparisons to the famous blunder by Yakubu Aiyegbeni at the 2010 World Cup against South Korea
The 26-year-old forward suffered an injury while on international duty with the Super Eagles, leaving the Nigerian team after the first of two matches against Lesotho.
He missed the following game against Zimbabwe, which the Super Eagles also drew in his absence.
Awoniyi 'out for months'
It is unknown exactly when Awoniyi will return, but with the AFCON tournament kicking off in just over a month, the former Liverpool and Uniion Berlin man is unlikely to make a recovery in time.
Awoniyi was Nigeria's leading man at the 2021 AFCON in the absence of Victor Osimhen, scoring one goal during the group stage.
The Super Eagles forward has been in fine form for Nottingham Forest this season in the Premier League, scoring four goals and assisting two more in eight starts for the Tricky Trees.
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